New Microsurgical Practice Lab at Shiley Eye Center Pays Tribute to Alumnus

Naming of lab honors Lamont Ericson, MD, for contributions to the Ophthalmology Residency program

April 21, 2010

By Kristin Luciani and Jade Griffin

Lamont Ericson, MD

Lamont Ericson, MD, completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of California, San Diego Shiley Eye Center in 1996 and went on to establish a successful ophthalmology practice in Utah.  Yet, Ericson’s impact reaches far beyond his professional accomplishments. 

His classmates, professors, colleagues, patients and the numerous students he mentored remember Ericson – who died in 2007 of pancreatic cancer – for his sharp intellect, kind heart and skilled hands.  Now, Ericson’s name will live on in perpetuity at UC San Diego’s Shiley Eye Center.

As a tribute to Ericson and his dedication to surgical education, faculty, staff and alumni at the Shiley Eye Center have set up a fund to name a new practice laboratory after him.

“I was proud to be his classmate, co-chief resident and his friend,” said Steven Friedlander, MD, FACS, ’96, who has helped spearhead the fundraising efforts.  “Lamont was clearly the star of our class.  His easy demeanor, quick wit and capable hands allowed him to outshine the rest of us.”

 “We were all heartsick when we heard first of his illness and then of his untimely passing,” said Leah Levi, MD, one of Ericson’s former teachers.  “With his dedication to surgical education, we felt the most fitting tribute would be to name the planned Microsurgical Practice Laboratory in Lamont's memory and to set up a fund to ensure its continuation into the future.”

As a resident of the Shiley Eye Center, Ericson’s passion for learning clearly stood out.  When he became co-chief resident in 1995, the educational responsibilities of the job came easily to him.  He organized study groups, grand rounds and various other projects to teach the junior residents. 

Ericson’s success at Shiley Eye Center launched him into a thriving practice in Utah, but his service to UC San Diego did not end with his residency.  Every year Ericson returned to San Diego for two weeks to staff resident cataract cases and mentor the current residents.  Ericson would treat the residents to a meal and discuss with them the things he learned while starting his own practice. 

“Lamont had all the characteristics one always hopes for in a resident and future colleague. He loved learning, was kind and really cared about his patients and fellow residents, plus he was a wonderful surgeon,” said Levi.

The new practice laboratory will facilitate the education and training of the next generation of ophthalmologists.  The fund will also help ensure that the lab remains on the leading-edge long into the future, providing for equipment updates and instrument purchases.

To contribute to the new lab in Ericson’s honor, please visit www.givetoucsd.ucsd.edu and key in “Lamont Ericson” in Option C on the Gifts Designation page. You can also make a check payable to the UC San Diego Foundation,” indicating that it is for Lamont Ericson, MD Microsurgical Practice Lab Fund #3858 and mail to Leah Levi at the UCSD Shiley Eye Center, 9415 Campus Point Drive, MC 0946, La Jolla, CA 92093-0946.

Media Contact: 

Jade Griffin, jadegriffin@ucsd.edu, (858) 822-5309

Kristin Luciani, kluciani@ucsd.edu, (858) 822-3353